Graham said: “Without their contribution, we simply wouldn’t be able to do as much for carers.

“The range of tasks they take on is so wide and they bring such a wealth of experience and expertise to whatever they do – anything from fund-raising, running support groups for carers, to providing clerical support at the centre.”

Former carer of nine years and volunteer of 13 years Vera Loraine, 79, of Red House, received an award for her services to the centre.

The grandmother of three, who works on reception, said: “It was a shock. I wasn’t expecting anything like it. You do it because you want to, but it’s nice because it means they must have taken notice of what I do.”

Vera, a widow and mother of one, said volunteering gives her a reason to get up.

“My husband had dementia and my mum broke her hip in a fall which brought on dementia,” she said.

“I went through a really bad patch.

“A social worker dragged me to the carers’ centre, I cried my eyes out and from then on it was me and them together.

“When my caring role came to an end, I was lost, I had time to spare.

“It gets you out of the house and meeting people.

“I really enjoy it and my family agree with me doing it because it keeps my mind active.

“It keeps me busy, and keeps me active, and I’ve made a lot of friends.”